JP5116923B2 - Multiprocessor control system for bicycles such as racing bicycles - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a bicycle control system that was developed with particular attention to application to racing bicycles. In any case, it should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention in relation to its applicability, in particular in relation to its applicability to racing bicycles.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In order to obtain various information on the use / operation of the means over the past few years in the field of bicycles, for example, based on certain criteria operating automatically, but also on the basis of specific instructions issued by the user However, there is an increasing tendency to use sensors of various characteristics with the aim of intervening to change the use / operation conditions of the means via an actuator.
[0003]
This trend is significant in the direction of extracting and processing a continuously increasing amount of data, and as a result there is a growing demand for more sophisticated and connected systems. Since these systems must be mounted on the bicycle, they must not adversely affect the performance of the bicycle, especially in terms of weight, overall dimensions, and electrical energy consumption.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and to meet the above-mentioned need that is expected to increase further in this field.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the invention, this can be achieved by a system having the features embodied in the following claims.
Briefly, the system according to the invention is based on a multiprocessor electronic structure that controls and manages the operation of a bicycle such as a competition bicycle.
[0006]
The solution according to the invention is to identify functional areas that are modularized for the purpose of reaching the integrated control system in order to control the functions of the bicycle and monitor the state of the bicycle in use, and the bicycle and its users. It is based on improving the overall performance of this system. In particular, the architecture resulting from the modularization of functional units allows careful evaluation of the timing of signal transmissions made in the framework of the system, while at the same time reducing the number of connections.
[0007]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention will now be illustrated in a non-limiting manner with reference to the accompanying figures.
The system according to the invention, indicated in its entirety by the reference numeral 1, is composed of a series of functional blocks interconnected at the level of the communication channel. The aforementioned functional blocks can be arranged in a manner optimized for bicycles, for example competition bicycles, as will be shown in more detail later in FIG.
[0008]
In general, the system 1 basically consists of the following functional blocks:
A first block 10 designed to serve as a system display and management interface;
A second block 20 designed to function as an interface and module for managing the requests made by the user himself, both of which are command executions made by the user and the state, state, and / or Or changes in various functional parameters of the bicycle, as well as activation of specific operating modes (eg training sessions, etc.); this block 20 has the function of classifying communication with various other functional blocks of the system Can also do; and
The role of controlling special functions, eg control of servomechanism elements and / or the exchange of communications over a local broadcast network (eg wireless local area network—a network of the type currently known as WLAN). And a third block 30 designed to perform
[0009]
If the structure of the block is seen in more detail, the block 10 usually includes a main processor 101, to which one or more push buttons 102 and a display unit 103 are connected. It will be understood that
[0010]
As can be seen in the context of FIG. 2, the block 10 is preferably configured as an element that is selectively removable from the bicycle. In this sense, the block 10 is at least partly integrated, duplicatable, and contentionable by a further block 10a which is basically configured as a so-called “user organizer”, in particular with regard to communication with the block 20. It may be configured to be possible. The latter device 10a is considered to be well known per se.
[0011]
The block 20 includes as its main element a processor 201 for managing communication, to which a serial control unit 202 is connected. The same block 20 may include a line 203 for managing inputs, connected to one or more control push buttons 28, 29 (again, see FIG. 2) located on the bicycle handle, for example. preferable. This handle is an element on which the block 20 is normally mounted, and is preferably attached to the center thereof.
[0012]
Reference numeral 205 indicates the possibility of one or more sensors connected to the line 203. These sensors are a gradient sensor, an altitude sensor, a temperature sensor, etc., for example. This type of sensor is also known in the prior art and need not be described in detail here.
[0013]
In this regard, it is noted that the present invention is primarily concerned with the overall architecture of the system 1, its configuration shown in blocks, and the modalities employed to coordinate communication and interaction between each block. Should. Accordingly, the detailed description of the present invention is primarily concerned with these aspects and does not refer to individual elements that are generally considered well-known (for obvious reasons for the sake of brevity). .
[0014]
Turning to scrutinizing block 30, reference numeral 31 indicates a processor designed to primarily perform the function of controlling a drive such as actuators 38, 39 as shown below. Reference numeral 32 denotes a further processor designed to perform the function of controlling the WLAN-type local broadcast network indicated by reference numeral 320, which includes one or more sensors 41,... 4 k.・ 4n is connected. Each sensor is connected to a communication interface 410,..., 4k0,..., 4n0, which is currently called a wireless peripheral unit (WPU), for example.
[0015]
The number n of sensors (including pedal speed, pedal operation, pedal force, user heart rate, etc.) and the number of corresponding interfaces may be any number.
In fact, one of the most interesting properties of the solution according to the invention is that it offers a great deal of flexibility in the selection of the number and / or properties of sensors that are coupled to the unique system 1. is there.
[0016]
Block 30 includes other sensors and transducers, such as a transducer 36 that senses the position of a crank wheel secured to the crankset, or a sensor 37 that has a transducer that can sense movement of a bicycle chain. It is preferable that it is comprised so that the signal from can also be received.
[0017]
With respect to these sensors / converters designed to be connected to the block 30 respectively by physical lines denoted by 360 and 370, the same situation as already described for the various sensors included in the WLAN network 320 is provided. Is seen.
[0018]
Due to the fundamentally dual aspect of what has been previously described with respect to the various sensors 41,..., 4k,. Interacts with various actuators. These are for example to control the gear shift function of a bicycle Forward Gearbox and Backward An actuator connected to the transmission.
[0019]
In the case of sensors 36 and 37, communication with actuators 38 and 39 is performed by physical lines 380 and 390, respectively. Advantageously, feedback lines 381, 391 are connected to these lines, through which, for example, the actuators 38 and 39 indicate to the processor 31 their actual position and operating status.
[0020]
Therefore, in the case of sensors connected to network 320, the number and nature of sensors 36 and 37 and the number and nature of actuators such as actuators 38 and 39 may be anything. With regard to the communication aspect, it is possible to intend to insert one or more actuators into the wireless network 320.
[0021]
FIG. 2 shows a possible arrangement in the bicycle of the several elements indicated above.
The arrangement of the blocks 10 and 20 and also the control buttons 28 and 29 has been described previously.
[0022]
Conveniently, the block 30 is mounted at a position just below the bottle cage that is approximately central to the various sensors 41, 42, 43, etc. provided by the network 320. In this regard, by way of example only, in FIG. 2, three of these sensors are: one on the front wheel fork (sensor 41), one near the crankset (sensor 42), and one on the rear wheel of the bicycle. It can be seen that (sensor 43) is shown at approximately the center position along the fork. Here, for the sensor 44, which is shown as a heart rate sensor by way of example only, it can be seen that the network 320 may communicate with sensors that are not necessarily installed on the bicycle.
[0023]
The sensor 36 is clearly located at a position corresponding to the crankset, preferably the position corresponding to the lower bracket, while the sensor 37 is Backward It is shown arranged at a position corresponding to the transmission so that the movement of the chain can be detected. The actuator 38 is shown here in the form of an actuator that controls the gear shift.
[0024]
Reference numerals 50, 50 </ b> A, and 50 </ b> B are for illustrating the presence of a power supply source such as a battery mounted on a bicycle, and a configuration for attaching a generator for charging the battery is also possible. Furthermore, since the system according to the present invention is sufficiently compatible with the supply by a small battery (for example, a watch battery) having a long life, the existence of these multiple generators is all It is surplus if not to say.
[0025]
It will be clear that the representation according to FIG. 2 merely illustrates how the several elements shown in FIG. 1 are arranged on the bicycle. Therefore, this display should not be considered complete and / or limited in their placement, particularly with respect to the possibility of functional integration to allow for more advanced monitoring of bicycle functions.
[0026]
The amount of information associated to achieve the functions described above for the communication and processing of data in the system 1 leads to the adoption of specific technologies that are considered preferential.
[0027]
The connections between the various modules, in particular between the blocks 10, 20, 30 are preferably made bidirectionally, preferably on a basis using a serial format. This applies in particular to the communication line 12 that connects the blocks 10 and 20 and the communication line 23 that connects the blocks 20 and 30.
[0028]
The connection mode described above enables data transmission in a situation where the number of connections is reduced as much as possible, for example, avoiding a direct connection between the block 10 and the block 30.
[0029]
A block 10 (essentially similar to a function called a “cycling computer”), which is configured to function essentially as a block for managing the system, is preferably removable from the bicycle as described above. As a result, attachment and removal detection is possible either by the block 10 itself or by the block 20 interacting with the block 10.
[0030]
In addition, by relying on two-way communication for at least the most important information flows, it is possible to give clear priority to information that appears to be of higher importance in each information flow. In addition, it becomes possible to guarantee the predictability of communication. In addition, this system (particularly block 30) can accurately monitor its operating status whether the power supply is a battery or a generator.
[0031]
In addition, the system can optimize power consumption. This is preferably achieved according to the criteria described in detail in the two patent applications for the industrial invention made on the same day by the applicant.
[0032]
In this regard, it will be appreciated that the block 20 is preferably attached to an element (such as a bracket) on which the block 10 is removably mounted. Such a mounting format facilitates communication between the block and the push buttons 28, 29, preferably implemented via a line that can be mounted in the handle.
The arrangement described above allows physical coupling between the block 20 and the block 30 which is preferably fixed in a container placed directly under the bottle cage as already mentioned.
[0033]
The block diagram of FIG. 3 shows in more detail the preferred aspect in which physical coupling between block 10, block 20 and block 30 is made.
From the block diagram shown in FIG. 3, the number of couplings is minimized in view of enabling bidirectional information exchange, preferably implemented by an asynchronous protocol (ie, one that does not require synchronization or clock signals). It can be seen that it is preferable to limit to the limit.
[0034]
First, a close examination of the line 12 connecting the block 10 and the block 20 reveals that this line is usually composed of two other lines indicated by reference numerals 84 and 85 in addition to the ground line 86. The two lines or lines are designed to allow transmission from block 10 to block 20 and transmission from block 20 to block 10, respectively.
[0035]
Preferably, the plurality of lines 84 and 85 include resistors 10R and 20R1 that are joined to the receiving side of each coupling portion and are arranged between the lines themselves and the ground. This plurality of registers makes it possible to verify whether there is a physical coupling between the corresponding blocks by evaluating the logic state of the received signal Rx. If the signal remains unchanged at a logic value of “0”, it means that no one is driving the corresponding bond, which indicates that no bond exists. In a normal coupling state, the received signal is maintained at a higher logic level (ie, logic value “1”) by the transmission signal Tx at least temporarily.
[0036]
A substantially similar configuration is adopted for the line 23 connecting the block 20 to the block 30.
In this case, the ground line is designated 83 and the two lines enabling transmission from block 20 to block 30 and from block 30 to block 20 are designated 81 and 82, respectively.
These two lines 81 and 82 are also provided with registers 20R2 and 30R connected to respective receiving terminals and designed to be able to evaluate the presence of physical coupling.
[0037]
Basically, the block 20 with the function of a transmission unit is mainly:
Verify that the system 1 is usable in terms of all functional blocks 10, 20, 30 being present and coupled to each other; for example, removing the block 10 with the function of a display unit Detected from the above-described method, ie, removal of register 10R, block 20 inhibits system 1 and suppresses all functionality of system 1, or at least suppresses the function linked to the presence of block 10. ;
-Periodic polling of the control unit 32 of the network 320 to allow the information to be updated and communicated to the block 10 (after processing if necessary);
Processing requests corresponding to commands issued by, for example, push buttons 28, 29 (these push buttons connected to block 20 are not shown in FIG. 3 for the sake of brevity); Request) to be transmitted to the block 10 functioning as a display unit and / or to the control unit 31 including the block 30;
And so on.
[0038]
The activities of block 20 are managed based on criteria that reduce the time of resource activation to reduce power consumption.
[0039]
The information from the block 30 starting from the two functional blocks 31 and 32 to the block 20 has already been described.
Block 31 (essentially responsible for interacting with actuators such as actuators 38, 39) reacts only when requests coming from unit 20 are involved, i.e. when there is an activation command.
[0040]
In a symmetrical relationship, the block 32 responsible for managing the network 320 sends information coming from the network 320 to the communication unit 20 if enabled by a signal sent from the controller 31 via the line 35.
[0041]
Protocols and physical interfaces are preferably used for this purpose, in addition to the use of signals sent by lines 81, 82 to allow asynchronous two-way communication between blocks 20 and 30. Thus, for the purpose of activating the processor 31 configured as a slave, a signal available on a further line 89 driven by the processor 201 is also used. The signal generated by the processor 31 and present on the line 35 has the function of releasing the signal present on the line 82 in order to control the processor 32 acting as a slave in this case.
[0042]
As a result, information is generated from the processor 32 and transmitted to the unit 20 in normal operating conditions. If there is a request that needs to send processor 31 from block 20, it is done in the following procedure:
The signal on line 89 is activated, which activates the processor 31 configured as a slave and brings the line 35 for the processor 32 also configured as a slave to the deactivated level;
The request from block 201 arrives at processor 31 via a signal on line 81 after a predetermined time necessary to complete the communication between processor 32 and processor 201;
The control of the signal on line 82 by the processor 32 is re-enabled via the enable level of the signal 35 by the processor 31;
-Once the request is executed, processor 31 requests processor 32 to control the signal on line 82 via signal 35, after which a response is sent from processor 31 to processor 201 after a predetermined period of time. Sent;
-At the end of sending the response, normal operating conditions are restored and line 32 is enabled to control the signal on line 82 via the enable obtained using line 35.
[0043]
Again, in the communication line 23, there is a line 90 designed to allow delivery of the supply voltage from the block 30 (which is usually connected to the power supply 50, 50A, 50B) to the block 20. It will be understood. Since the block 10 is required to be supplied when it is removed from the system, the power supply source 10B is available by itself.
[0044]
Communication between block 30 and block 20 is preferably performed by byte frames at a predefined baud rate. One frame format is generated by processor 32 in processor 201: the other frame format is associated with processor 31 and processor 201.
Since communication is two-way, each of the two main types of frames has a unique sub-type for different situations.
[0045]
Typically, the structure of the frame includes a header byte, which allows to identify the source (processor 31, processor 32, processor 201, etc.) that transmits the information and the specific format of the frame. :
A data block sent from the processor 32 to the processor 201;
The state of the block 30 and the actuator information sent from the processor 31 to the processor 201;
A request sent from processor 201 to processor 31; and / or
A request sent from the processor 201 to the processor 32;
There is.
[0046]
This is followed by a specific data field for each type of frame involved in the transmission. A final control byte is provided to verify the successful outcome of the communication.
[0047]
Some examples of communication frames are shown in FIGS.
In all the figures, the symbol H indicates a header byte and the symbol CK indicates the final control byte.
[0048]
Specifically, FIG. 4 divided into three parts a), b), and c) shows an example of a frame that can be used for information transmission from the processor 32 to the unit 20.
For example, FIG. 4 a) shows a frame that can be used to send information about data generated by a speed sensor, such as sensor 41 inserted in network 320, to block 20.
[0049]
In the frame, the first field C1 can be used to display the number of pulses generated by the speed sensor and / or the value of the average period of these pulses at a predetermined time reference. The second field C2 can be used to display the number of pulses generated by a sensor such as a pedal operation sensor and / or the value of the average period on a predetermined time basis.
[0050]
FIG. 4b) shows the possibility of a very simple frame structure, in addition to the header H and the control byte CK, a single unit that can be used to transmit information about the measurement by the heart rate sensor 44 as shown in FIG. One field C3 is included.
[0051]
A substantially similar structure is shown in FIG. 4c), for example for a frame that can be used to transmit information coming from a pedal force sensor. In this case as well, the frame is a single unit that can be used to transmit, for example, some values (eg 16 force values) recorded during rotation of the crankset in addition to the header H and the control byte CK. One field C4 is included.
[0052]
FIG. 5 shows a more complex frame structure, in which, in addition to the header H and the control byte CK, a plurality of fields C5 to C8 are also provided for the actuators 38, 39 coupled to the bicycle transmission. It can be used to send information about one operating state from the processor 31 to the block 20.
In this case, field C5 is designed to transmit status information, and field C6 is Backward The position of the transmission, and / or Forward Transmits information about the position of the transmission. Fields C7 and C8 are Backward The height of the position of the transmission, and Forward It can be used to provide an indication of the height of the transmission position.
[0053]
Instead, FIG. 6 shows a frame structure that can be used for transmission of information from the processor 201 to the processor 31. In this case as well, in addition to the header H and the control byte CK, there are provided several fields denoted by the symbols C9 to C11, each of which is a request byte (depending on the bit position), a predetermined number to be read / changed. It is designed to send an address and a predetermined value to be read / changed.
[0054]
Finally, FIG. 7 shows an example of a frame structure that can be used to transmit information from the processor 201 to the control processor 32. In this case, fields C12 to C14 are provided following the header H, which are each designed to send a request code, a corresponding address in the network 320, and configuration parameters of the elements forming part of the network 320. ing. This is followed by a control byte CK like the others.
[0055]
Preferably, each byte included in the frames shown in FIGS. 4 to 7 is characterized by a trailing edge for the start bit and two stop bits.
[0056]
Of course, it is possible to widely change the configuration and details of the embodiments to those described and illustrated without departing from the principle of the present invention, and this does not depart from the scope of the present invention. Absent.
[0057]
【Effect of the invention】
The system according to the present invention based on a multiprocessor electronic structure that controls and manages the operation of a bicycle such as a competition bicycle, without adversely affecting the performance of the bicycle in terms of weight, overall dimensions, electrical energy consumption, A more elaborate and coupled system can be provided that enables the retrieval and processing of data volumes that tend to increase for bicycles.
[0058]
In addition, the system according to the invention makes it clear for information that appears to be of higher importance in each information flow by relying on two-way communication for at least the most important information flow. Priority can be given, and further, the predictability of communication can be guaranteed. Moreover, regardless of whether the power supply source is a battery or a generator, the system can accurately monitor the operation status and optimize power consumption.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall architecture of a system according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing that various modules constituting the system shown in FIG. 1 can be mounted on a bicycle such as a race bicycle.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing specific contents of some elements shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a detailed view of aspects employed for transmission of various signals in the system according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a detailed view of aspects employed for transmission of various signals in the system according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a detailed view of aspects adopted for transmission of various signals in the system according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a detailed view of aspects employed for transmission of various signals in the system according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1. System, 10. The first processor unit, 10R, 20R, 30R. Sensor means 12, 23. Communication channel, 20. Second processor unit 28, 29. Control element, 30. Third processor unit 31. Processor unit, 32. Processor, 35. Control signals 36, 37, 41. Sensor 36, 37. Sub set, 38, 39. Actuator, 41. Sub set, 50. Power supply, 201. Communication processor, 203. Input circuit.

Claims (19)

Bicycle connectable to a series of sensors (41, ..., 4k, ..., 4n, 36, 37), a series of actuators (38, 39) and a series of control elements (28, 29) attached to the bike An electronic control system for:
A first processor unit (10) capable of functioning as a unit for processing and displaying information;
A second processor unit (20) that controls communication and can function as an interface unit of said series of control elements (28, 29);
A third processor unit (30) that can function as a unit of interface between the series of sensors (41, ..., 4k, ..., 4n, 36, 37) and the series of actuators (38, 39) And including
The first processor unit (10), the second processor unit (20), and the third processor unit (30) are connected to each other by a bidirectional asynchronous communication channel (12, 23). system.   The system includes the second processor unit (20) as the first processor unit (10) and the second processor unit (20) as the third processor unit (30). A communication channel (12, 23) is provided, wherein there is no direct communication channel between the first processor unit (10) and the third processor unit (30). 1. The system according to 1.   At least one processor (32), wherein the third processor unit (30) is configured to interface with at least one sub-set (41, ..., 4k, ..., 4n) of the series of sensors in a wireless network. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the system includes:   At least one of the communication channels (12, 23) is provided with sensor means (10R, 20R1, 20R2, 30R) connected thereto to detect interruption of the corresponding communication channel (12, 23). A system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   If the sensor means is a register (10R, 20R1, 20R2, 30R) coupled to at least one receiving terminal of each connection and there is no signal passing through the register, the corresponding communication channel (12 23) includes a register indicating that it is suspended.   The at least one communication channel is a communication channel (12) between the first processor unit (10) and the second processor unit (20), the first processor unit ( 10) is selectively disconnected from the system (1), and the interruption of the at least one communication channel (12) indicates the fact that the first processor unit (10) is isolated from the system. A system according to claim 4 or claim 5, characterized in that The second processor unit (20) and the third processor unit (30) are:
The data obtained by the series of sensors (41,..., 4k,..., 4n, 36, 37) is transmitted from the third processor unit (30) to the second processor unit (20). To do;
-Interrogating the second processor unit (20) from the second processor unit (20) to the third processor unit (30) to ascertain the operating state of the third processor unit (30);
Sending a request for instructions coming from the series of control elements (28, 29) from the second processor unit (20) to the third processor unit (30);
Operating at least partially (31, 32) the third processor unit (30) in a quiescent state by the function of selective restart from the second processor unit (20);
-Selectively enabling the transmission of information from the third processor unit (30) to the second processor unit (20) via a control signal (35);
7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system is configured to perform at least one function. The second processor unit (20) is:
A communication processor (201) configured to manage the communication channels (12, 23);
An input circuit (203) acting as an interface for said series of control elements (28, 29);
The system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by comprising: The third processor unit (30) is:
Each first processor (32) acting as a wireless interface with respect to the sub-set of sensors (41, ..., 4k, ..., 4n);
A second control processor (31) which can act as an interface for at least one of the other sub-sets (36, 37) of the series of sensors and the series of actuators (38, 39); ,
The system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by comprising:   The first processor unit (10) and the second processor unit (20) exchange information organized into byte frames having a length that varies depending on the bytes of information to be transmitted. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the system is configured as described above.   The third processor unit (30) and the second processor unit (20) exchange information organized into byte frames having a length that varies according to the bytes of information to be transmitted. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the system is configured as described above.   12. System according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the byte frame comprises at least one header byte (H).   13. System according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the byte frame comprises at least one control byte (CK).   14. A system according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the byte frame has a trailing edge of an initial bit and two stop bits.   15. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first processor unit (10) is adapted to be mounted on a bicycle handle.   The system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the third processor unit (30) is arranged to be mounted in the vicinity of a bicycle bottle cage support.   The system includes at least one power supply (50, 50A, 50B) for powering the second processor unit (20) and the third processor unit (30), the at least one The system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that one power supply is configured to be mounted on a bicycle.   Coupled to the communication channel (23) connecting the second processor unit (20) to the third processor unit (30) is coupled to at least one lead (90) for sending power. The system according to claim 17, wherein: 19. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first processor (10) is equipped with an autonomous power supply (10B) coupled thereto.

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